Heading into the 2006 preseason, the Oklahoma Sooners were considered a national title favorite by many publications because of their potential on offense and due to their depth and experience on the defensive side of the ball.

When quarterback Rhett Bomar was dismissed from the team, the national media quickly backed off of those predictions. With a new offensive line and a new quarterback, the faith in Oklahoma's chances disappeared.

But nothing's changed on the defensive side of the ball. Rufus Alexander and Larry Birdine both return on defense. The Oklahoma secondary, no longer a question mark heading into the season, possesses more playmakers than OU has seen in two years.

"I think we have the talent to play as a top ten defense in the country, that's the challenge that we're throwing out to our guys," he said. "They have to play consistently week-in and week-out, game-in and game-out, play-in, play-out, as a top ten defense in the country."